Green eager to learn at Papendal UCI BMX Supercross

Nineteen-year-old Great Britain athlete Charlotte Green is keen use her call up for the UCI BMX Supercross in Papendal to learn as much as possible.

The British Cycling Olympic Development Programme rider will make only her second ever appearance in the series against world class opposition on 15-16 June in the Netherlands.

Green finished a promising 11th in her world cup debut at April’s Manchester round and is aspiring to build on that experience in the third instalment of the competition after skipping the racing in Santiago del Estero.

“I was really excited after the first world cup I did. I really wanted to do another one and get involved so I am really pleased,” Green said of her selection after Abbie Taylor was ruled out with a back injury.

“With the Manchester round I just wanted to concentrate on myself. I had no pressures on me I just went out there, did my own thing, kept relaxed and I was happy.

“I never been to Papendal before but I’ve seen videos and it looks big!”

Since her first round exploits at the National BMX Centre, Green has manoeuvred her way to the top of the standings in the British BMX Series, a run which included victory at Kent’s Cyclopark in round two.

The groundwork for Papendal has also seen the Cornwall BMX Racing Club rider spend time in Manchester with Great Britain’s Academy athletes, benefitting from the facilities available including an eight metre Supercross start ramp.

“I have been training up here with the Academy for preparation, just working on my technical skills really for the big jumps.

“It’s such a good facility to have here. It’s not often that people have this so it’s a really good opportunity.”

While valuable elite level experience is the foremost motive for Green’s journey, she is keen back up her result in Manchester.

Colombia’s Olympic champion Mariana Pajon, Dutch rider Laura Smulders and American Arielle Martin – currently third in the Supercross rankings – have been confirmed as part of the field which Green will have to contest with.

“I just need to learn to be a bit more confident on the hill. I’m getting stronger on the hill so I can actually keep up with the girls,” Green said.

“Hopefully in Papendal I have got the confidence to go out there and do just as well.”

Fans will be able to watch Saturday’s time trial Superfinals and Sunday’s elite finals live on the British Cycling website.